Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Laboratory of Dr. Ferrier is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow interested in sustainability for packaging materials. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET holds promise as a material to enhance sustainability in packaging applications, but this material is highly variable and its post-processed material properties are unpredictable. We intend to investigate various PET resins and develop simple models through conventional statistical analysis methods to be able to screen PCR PET resin material to enable its use in industrial packaging applications. In addition to the primary research responsibilities described above, the successful applicant will be able to participate in other lab and CHEMS departmental activities including assisting with training of undergraduate and/or graduate students, report writing, and grant writing. This position is initially for one year, renewable annually based on performance and the availability of funding. The position includes salary and fringe benefits for 1 year.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -engineering, packaging

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or related field by the start of the position. The ideal candidate will have a strong polymers background and significant experience with a wide variety of polymer characterization.

Desired Qualifications

Expertise in the characterization of polymeric materials. Familiarity with FTIR, NMR, and UV-vis spectroscopy, rheology, calorimetry, etc. Strong statistical analysis skills preferred. 

Required Application Materials

CV; Resume; Contact information for 3 references

Review of Applications Begins On

08/05/2026

Website

https://engineering.msu.edu/departments/chems

Department Statement

About The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University is recognized for excellence in research, innovation, and engineering education. The department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, and the development of solutions to complex challenges in energy, health, sustainability, manufacturing, and advanced materials.

About The College of Engineering

For more than 130 years, the MSU College of Engineering has advanced, shared, and applied engineering knowledge to address society’s most pressing challenges. Our mission is to prepare exceptional engineering graduates, conduct cutting-edge research, and drive innovation that benefits communities locally and globally.

The college pursues this mission through educational and research programs across eight departments, with interdisciplinary strengths in computational sciences, energy, health, manufacturing, materials, mobility, security, and sustainability. By fostering collaboration and discovery, the MSU College of Engineering equips students and faculty to shape the technologies and solutions of the future.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.